What is Sexual Assault?

Rape is defined as forcible sexual intercourse without the person’s consent. Sexual intercourse refers to oral, vaginal or anal penetration by a body part or an object. Washington State Law uses the term rape and divides the law into three degrees listed in the Revised Code of Washington.

The majority of rapes are committed by someone known to the survivor as an acquaintance, friend or dating partner. It usually does not involve weapons or extreme physical force. Often sexual assault involves one person ignoring the other’s protest and forcing intercourse without consent.

What is consent?

Consent is an active process of willingly choosing to participate in sex of any kind.

What does consent look like?

Involves each person in a sexual or possibly sexual interaction (both parties are responsible for knowing if they have consent)

The best way to know if you have consent is to ask (Is this ok? Are you comfortable doing this?)

In some situations, full, informed and free consent cannot truly be given (incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, emotional distress or coercion)

Consent is not the absence of a no, it’s the presence of a yes

Getting Help If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted

Remember that no matter what the circumstances, you are not to blame for what happened. Give yourself permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Tell someone you trust for support

This could be anyone, so think about who would be the most supportive. This person may be a good listener or be able to provide resources and options.

Trust your instincts

If you feel unsafe, you probably are. Take threats seriously and know that there are resources to support you.

Develop a safety plan

This includes things like deciding who you can call when you need help, changing your daily routine, arranging for a place to stay and using the buddy system. The Health & Wellness Advocate or UW Police Department Crime Victim Advocate can help you create a safety plan.

Seek medical care

Medical care after a sexual assault can be helpful for treating or preventing illness and injury. Generally, you want to have tests done as soon as possible. Having a medical exam within 120 hours is best for collecting physical evidence of the sexual assault. Even if you are not sure you are ready to file a police report, it may be reassuring to have the evidence if you decide to press charges later. Explore all of your options for testing and medical care.

The Health & Wellness Advocate listens and supports all students by providing a confidential place to discuss sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and related issues. The Advocate can assist you in reporting to the police and in exploring and arranging for counseling, academic help or changes in living situations.

Report to the police

If you decide to report to the police, you can call the UW Police Department and the police officer will meet you in a location of your choice. You can also contact the Health & Wellness Advocate to review your reporting options. It is your decision to file a report or to go forward with an investigation, and you do not have to make it immediately. However, if you decide to file a report, it would be advantageous to your case to do this as soon as possible. If you are making an immediate police report, evidence may be preserved in the following ways: do not wash, bathe, or brush your teeth; don’t remove sheets or clothes; and don’t straighten up or touch anything in the area where the assault took place.

Report to the University

Sexual assault, sexual harassment, physical abuse and threats are violations of the UW Student Conduct Code. Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC) can help you make a formal report and determine if the University can take action for these behaviors. You may want to talk to a lawyer or legal advocate about civil lawsuits and other options. You can also contact University of Washington Title IX Office to make a report and find out more information.

Seek supportive counseling

Regardless of whether you get a medical exam or report the assault, you may want help dealing with the impact of the assault. The Counseling Center and Hall Health Mental Health are resources on campus. The Health & Wellness Advocate can also provide referrals to off-campus community services.